Center For Stormwater Conflict Resolutions

THE PROBLEM – The 2014 study entitled Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment, describes the climate change impacts that we are already experiencing. In the Northeast, precipitation has increased five inches in the last 100 years. In addition, the region has experienced a 70% increase in the intensity of heavy rain events over the past 50 years. The increase is expected to continue in this century. Other regions are experiencing similar impacts. The resulting stormwater run-off will increase conflicts between neighbors.

Stormwater run-off is a condition that can create serious conflicts when changes occur unexpectedly, as they are happening more and more frequently today. The conditions created by development and climate change result in change in surface water flow and absorption, creating problems for downstream neighbors. Multiple parties can involve local governments, storm water management entities, developers, insurance carriers and individual land and home owners. The end result of these conflicts can result in unsolved damaging problems, litigation and long standing resentments .

THE SOLUTION – These type of disputes are perfect candidates for collaborative dispute resolution using mediation as a prime method for solving problems. Instead of an adversarial win-lose battle of the experts, experts should focus first on cost effective solutions. If appropriate structures are incorporated into projects, such as channels, retention basins, absorption areas and culverts, these impacts can be mitigated or eliminated. Green building techniques are also intended to mitigate this storm water run-off problem while enhancing the environment.

By engaging a neutral third party to facilitate a cost effective and timely resolution of the disputes, the problem can often be solved in far less time and expense. A focused convening process with the key stakeholders can quickly determine the optimum process for the case at hand. This may  include use of  Mediation, Advisory Opinions, Consensus Building or Collaborative Use of Technical Experts. To get a free initial consultation just fill out the form with the subject “free consultation” and include a brief description of the issue, contact info for the parties and a call will be arranged.